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Fatal disseminated adenovirus infections in immunocompromised patients

Teresa Tram N Pham1, James L Burchette, Laura P Hale

  • 1Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|October 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Adenovirus infections are a serious threat in immunocompromised patients, often leading to disseminated disease and death. Pathologists and clinicians must recognize adenovirus as a significant cause of fatal infections and hemorrhage in this vulnerable group.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pathology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Adenovirus is an emerging pathogen in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Disseminated adenovirus infection is frequently observed and associated with high mortality rates in this population.

Observation:

  • A retrospective autopsy review identified 84 cases with suspected adenovirus infection.
  • Adenovirus infection was confirmed in 8 (10%) of these cases, all in immunocompromised patients.
  • Disseminated adenovirus infection contributed to death in 6 (75%) of confirmed cases.

Findings:

  • Pathologic findings included pneumonia, hepatic necrosis, enterocolitis, and epicardial hemorrhage.
  • Ulcerations of the larynx, trachea, and ileum were also observed.
  • Severe and fatal adenovirus infections are not infrequent in immunocompromised patients.

Implications:

  • Clinicians and pathologists need increased awareness of adenovirus pathogenicity in immunocompromised patients.
  • Recognition of adenovirus's potential to cause life-threatening hemorrhage is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
  • This study highlights the critical role of adenovirus as a cause of mortality in immunocompromised populations.

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